Ted Kennedy Reactions

Here are reactions to Ted Kennedy's death:

President Obama:

Michelle and I were heartbroken to learn this morning of the death of our dear friend, Senator Ted Kennedy.

For five decades, virtually every major piece of legislation to advance the civil rights, health and economic well being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts.

I valued his wise counsel in the Senate, where, regardless of the swirl of events, he always had time for a new colleague. I cherished his confidence and momentous support in my race for the Presidency. And even as he waged a valiant struggle with a mortal illness, I've profited as President from his encouragement and wisdom.

An important chapter in our history has come to an end. Our country has lost a great leader, who picked up the torch of his fallen brothers and became the greatest United States Senator of our time.

And the Kennedy family has lost their patriarch, a tower of strength and support through good times and bad.

Our hearts and prayers go out to them today--to his wonderful wife, Vicki, his children Ted Jr., Patrick and Kara, his grandchildren and his extended family.

Kennedy Family statement:

We've lost the irreplaceable center of our family and joyous light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism, and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever. He loved this country and devoted his life to serving it. He always believed that our best days were still ahead, but it's hard to imagine any of them without him.

Senator John Kerry:

No words can ever do justice to this irrepressible, larger than life presence who was simply the best -- the best senator, the best advocate you could ever hope for, the best colleague and the best person to stand by your side in the toughest of times.

Senator Chris Dodd

"I'm not sure America has ever had a greater Senator, but I know for certain that no one has had a greater friend than I and so many others did in Ted Kennedy.

"I will always remember Teddy as the ultimate example for all of us who seek to serve, a hero for those Americans in the shadow of life who so desperately needed one.

"He worked tirelessly to lift Americans out of poverty, advance the cause of civil rights, and provide opportunity to all. He fought to the very end for the cause of his life - ensuring that all Americans have the health care they need.

"The commitment to build a stronger and fairer America, a more perfect union, was deeply ingrained in the fiber of who he was, and what he believed in, and why he served.

"That's why he stands among the most respected Senators in history. But it was his sympathetic ear, his razor wit, and his booming, raucous laugh that made him among the most beloved.

"Whatever tragedy befell Teddy's family, he would always be there for them. Whatever tragedy befell the family of one of his friends, he would always be there for us. And in this moment of profound grief, our hearts are with his wonderful wife Vicki, his fantastic kids Ted Jr., Patrick, Kara, Curran, and Caroline, his grandchildren, and the wide and wonderful extended family for whom he was always a safe harbor.

"I will miss him every day I serve, and every day I live."

Former President Jimmy Carter

Sen. Kennedy was a passionate voice for the citizens of Massachusetts and an unwavering advocate for the millions of less fortunate in our country. The courage and dignity he exhibited in his fight with cancer was surpassed only by his lifelong commitment and service to his country.

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair:

Senator Kennedy was a figure who inspired admiration, respect and devotion not just in America but around the world. He was a true public servant committed to the values of fairness, justice and opportunity.

Former President George H.W. Bush:

While we didn't see eye-to-eye on many political issues through the years, I always respected his steadfast public service - so much so, in fact, that I invited him to my library in 2003 to receive the Bush Award for Excellence in Public Service. Ted Kennedy was a seminal figure in the United States Senate - a leader who answered the call to duty for some 47 years, and whose death closes a remarkable chapter in that body's history.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown:

Senator Edward Kennedy will be mourned not just in America but in every continent. He is admired around the world as the Senator of Senators. He led the world in championing children's education and health care, and believed that every single child should have the chance to realise their potential to the full.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:

Kennedy has been a friend for 30 years, a great American patriot, a great champion of a better world, a great friend of Israel. He will be sorely missed.

Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen:

In good days and bad, Ted Kennedy worked valiantly for the cause of peace on this island.... Today, America has lost a great and respected statesman and Ireland has lost a long-standing and true friend.

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger:

Maria and I are immensely saddened by the passing of Uncle Teddy. He was known to the world as the Lion of the Senate, a champion of social justice, and a political icon.

Most importantly, he was the rock of our family: a loving husband, father, brother and uncle. He was a man of great faith and character.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi:

Today, with the passing of Senator Edward M. Kennedy, the American people have lost a great patriot, and the Kennedy family has lost a beloved patriarch. Over a lifetime of leadership, Senator Kennedy's statesmanship and political prowess produced a wealth of accomplishment that has improved opportunity for every American.

Senator Kennedy had a grand vision for America, and an unparalleled ability to effect change. Rooted in his deep patriotism, his abiding faith, and his deep concern for the least among us, no one has done more than Senator Kennedy to educate our children, care for our seniors, and ensure equality for all Americans.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid:

Because of Ted Kennedy, more young children could afford to become healthy. More young adults could afford to become students. More of our oldest citizens and our poorest citizens could get the care they need to live longer, fuller lives. More minorities, women and immigrants could realize the rights our founding documents promised them. And more Americans could be proud of their country.

Former First Lady Nancy Reagan:

I was terribly saddened to hear of the death of Ted Kennedy tonight.

Given our political differences, people are sometimes surprised by how close Ronnie and I have been to the Kennedy family. But Ronnie and Ted could always find common ground, and they had great respect for one another. In recent years, Ted and I found our common ground in stem cell research, and I considered him an ally and a dear friend. I will miss him.

My heart goes out to Vicki and the entire Kennedy family.

Senator Orrin Hatch:

Many have come before, and many will come after, but Ted Kennedy's name will always be remembered as someone who lived and breathed the United States Senate and the work completed within its chamber. When I first came to the United States Senate I was filled with conservative fire in my belly and an itch to take on any and everyone who stood in my way, including Ted Kennedy. As I began working within the confines of my office I soon found out that while we almost always disagreed on most issues, once in a while we could actually get together and find the common ground, which is essential in passing legislation.

Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin:

I would like to extend our sympathies to the Kennedy family as we hear word about the passing of Senator Ted Kennedy. He believed in our country and fought passionately for his convictions.

Comments

[lovable]

02:01 PM on 08/29/2009

PALIN STATEMENT MEANT NOTHING AT ALL AND WAS INSINCERE . SHE PROBABLEY DID NOT EVEN WRITE IT!!!!!!!

[Jenna Wikler]

05:21 PM on 08/28/2009

i started hurling furniture and other objects the moment i was told of his passing, and then i could only sob. next to the new hole in my wall i wrote with a sharpie: R.I.P. teddy kennedy, the last of the good ones.

[MassM22]

11:03 AM on 08/27/2009

I owe my life as it is today to Senator Kennedy. He did not save it. He made it possible for me to be who I am today.

I am a gay man. Through his understanding of what is right and what is wrong, what should be and what shouldn't be, he developed policies that led to greater understanding and acceptance of homosexuality and made it possible for me to be an openly gay state trooper.

Through his understanding that a smarter workforce can excel and make this country great, he helped fund grants and scholarships that made my Bachelors of Science degree in Plastics Engineering.

Through his acceptance of other cultures, he strove to reform immigration - a system very broken in this country.

The Howie Carrs and Sean Hannity's of the world hated him for his embrace of civil rights and other liberal views but no matter where you stand idiologically, you cannot deny that he was instrumental in making Massachusetts and it's Universities some of the best in the world.

We will miss him more than any of us can grasp right now.

Thank you Senator Kennedy.

[carpdd]

10:29 AM on 08/27/2009

Senator Ted Kennedy will be missed by many, he will be touted as one of the greatest Senators of our time. I am one such person, the Kennedy mystique has been a part of the American land scape for generations. I think that one of the greatest losses for Democrats and Republicans alike is the ability that he and a few others have to articulate that which he believes and to reach out in an effort to reach a consensus. There are too few of these elder "Statesmen" alive and active today. Senator Orin Hatch is one such person. While I disagree with most everything he says I respect the man for his ability to say it with eloquence and not with the demonetization of any who would oppose his legislation efforts. The 24 hour news cycle in many ways is harmful to the legitimate debate that needs to happen in this country on several issues. Eric Cantor, John Boehner , Nancy Pelosi and others need to take a lesson away from this. We are all in this together and we need to stop the reflex action of defaming people in Congress who are of differing opinions. The Beck, Limbaugh, Hannity and O'Reilly folks need to switch to decaf and realize that you are falling into such an obvious trap. They could care less about you .

[petranela]

01:56 AM on 08/27/2009

I am very saddened by the death of Ted Kennedy. To me it feels like an end of an era, having lived through the passing of his two brothers, JFK & Bobby Kennedy. I am not sure if most Americans realize how many bills he worked on that have made life so much better for all of us. I appreciate all that he has done. My heart goes out to his wife & family who have had a huge loss in their lives. You are in my prayers.

[nicole473]

10:01 PM on 08/26/2009

Why in the world would hp post an insincere comment from the likes of Sarah Palin?? As if she deserves more attention, especially in light of the passing of a great man, liberal, Democrat, public servant.

[dontomas]

02:35 PM on 08/29/2009

Ditto, I am surprised Huff or whoever thinks her opinion is worthy of mentioning. She is not somebody who knew Kennedy, worked with him. Its akin to asking somebody walking down the street. To be included in an article that mentions presidents, senators, prime ministers and other notables is pretty strange. What is the point?

[Solja]

08:32 PM on 08/26/2009

I just signed this petition (below) to honor Ted Kennedy, which will be delivered to senators on Monday:

"Ted Kennedy was a courageous champion for health care reform his entire life. In his honor, name the reform bill that passed Kennedy's health committee 'The Kennedy Bill' -- then pass it, and nothing less, through the Senate."

Kennedy's bill includes a public health insurance option, and it would be an honor to Kennedy's memory if it passed the Senate. Will you sign the petition? You can sign here.

Thanks! Here's the petition (pass it on!)
http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/o/5649/t/4922/content.jsp?content_KEY=2763&tag=hk2_auto1

[sarimn00]

08:42 PM on 08/26/2009

Signed. Thanks for the link.

[nicole473]

10:18 PM on 08/26/2009

signed.

[sarimn00]

08:25 PM on 08/26/2009

I was born in 1981, long after JFK and Bobby were killed. But I felt like I knew Ted Kennedy. He wasn't my Senator; I live in Minnesota. I don't know what it is like to be rich. I've never met a member of the Kennedy family. But I felt like he was the Nation's Senator. I liked him. I saw how hard he fought for people. I appreciated that even though he could have chosen to do nothing for the people in this country, he chose to help the people that were less fortunate. Critics will say that it was because he felt guilty for having money, but I disagree. I think he truly cared for the people he fought for. I don't know every bill that he helped pass. But I know that many of the rights awarded to me now, as a woman, had some of Ted Kennedy in them. I may not have been around during the so called Kennedy "dynasty." But I have a great fondness for the family, like my father. Today is the end of an era. I believe there is a little bit missing from this country tonight. May Ted Kennedy rest in peace.

[Giopaps]

07:54 PM on 08/26/2009

HP get Sarah Palin out of your system. Her name is not worth mentioning, her opinion not worth to be printed.

[MaximMaximus]

07:12 PM on 08/27/2009

Yes. She's blemishing the list of people who have sincerely expressed their gratitude and condolences with her insincere two-bit response.

[Toxictort]

07:34 PM on 08/26/2009

SP???? Did she post this on her facebook page?

[drlouise]

07:28 PM on 08/26/2009

How lucky we are to have had his vision, his time, his care. Every American should be grieving for the loss of a senator who gave hope to millions and delivered legislation that gave better lives to those he tirelessly served. We will miss you.

[Simone Hill]

06:12 PM on 08/26/2009

“It's better to send in the Peace Corps than the Marine Corps.” -- Ted Kennedy

[FR]

05:08 PM on 08/26/2009

Ted Kennedy was my Senator.
I find it offensive that Sarah Palin's pointless blather is included.
The others are actual friends or long-time political figures, not a half-term governor and national joke.
There are plenty more and better people qualified to comment on his passing.

[StopSexismNow]

11:44 PM on 08/26/2009

Yes, and HP did not bother to print the statements of some of the most luminous of luminaries in our party, world leaders and others worth reading.

Read these lovely tributes here: http://tedkennedy.org/tributes

[momcat4obama]

02:28 AM on 08/27/2009

thank you for the link.

[hrholmes]

04:54 PM on 08/26/2009

God bless you Ted. You'll be sorely missed in one of our greatest times of need for a valiant leader for the people.

[Freesia2]

04:41 PM on 08/26/2009

I am clicking the "I don't like it" button on the top of this article. Because I don't, and I won't, until they get rid of that Sarah Palin quote. She's officially a nobody now who has been actively using her Facebook like a highschool slambook to obstruct the healthcare reform that was Ted Kennedy's passion. Someone here pointed out it would make about as much sense to include Glenn Beck in the list. He'd fit about as well. He's no more statesman than she is.

I don't know what effect it has when you click that but "I don't like it" it is and anyone who cares to join me, click away. Maybe they'll remove that offense.

[StopSexismNow]

11:52 PM on 08/26/2009

Wow, I never even noticed that link. Thanks for posting about it! I clicked it too. Not because they included Sarah Palin's comment, but because they neglected to include statements from many people worth hearing from. If you want to read the statements from these Heads of State, world leaders, and other truly notable public folks, go here:

http://tedkennedy.org/tributes

[momcat4obama]

02:30 AM on 08/27/2009

excellent idea - i'm clicking it too